The adverse events of ibogaine in humans: an updated systematic review of the literature (2015-2020).
Psychopharmacology – June 01, 2022
Source: PubMed
Summary
Despite ibogaine's anti-addictive potential, serious adverse events underscore the need for careful use. A systematic review updated understanding of risks linked to ibogaine and its metabolite, noribogaine. Examining 18 studies, it identified acute and lasting adverse events, predominantly cardiac (like QTc prolongation), gastrointestinal, and neurological. These findings are crucial for developing robust safety protocols and understanding potential drug interactions, paving the way for safer therapeutic applications.
Abstract
Ibogaine is the main alkaloid of the African shrub Tabernanthe iboga. It produces hallucinogenic and psychostimulant effects, but it is currently known for the anti-addictive properties. Despite the potential therapeutic effects, several cases of fatalities and serious adverse events related to ibogaine/noribogaine use can be found in the literature. Most studies consist in case reports or were conducted under non-controlled settings, so causation cannot be clearly established. To update (2015-2020) the literature on the adverse events and fatalities associated with ibogaine/noribogaine administration. Systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Eighteen studies were included in the final selection. Highly heterogeneous results were found in terms of kind of product used or the known dosages. The adverse events were classified in acute effects ( 24 h), mainly persistent cardiac alterations, psychiatric, and neurological signs. There is a high need of phase I clinical trials that can describe the safety of different dosages of ibogaine with standardized products. Further research should perform clinical profiling of vulnerable populations, and design effective screening methods and clinical procedures.